Amidst what seems like a veritable flurry of recent articles lately about socially-disengaged teens buried in their phones, texting, talking and living in a virtual reality—instead of the reality of the world around them—there are a group of young people volunteering, fundraising, and spreading the word about breast cancer awareness. They are Susan G. Komen North Jersey’s Students for the Cure ambassadors, the founding group of a new program aimed at recruiting teens who are committed to making a difference in the fight against breast cancer. The North Jersey Affiliate is the first Susan G. Komen Affiliate in the country to launch such an initiative.

The innovative program, which was officially introduced at the Affiliate’s 9th Annual Race for the Cure on May 1st, mentors and encourages encourage young people between the ages of 12 and 17 to engage in volunteerism and fundraising. The corps of ambassadors (still in formation) will ultimately encompass representatives from each county in the Affiliate’s nine-county service area. At press time, this year’s ambassadors include: Mady Most of Far Hills, (Students for the Cure Junior Chairperson), Franchesca Inay of New Milford, Shira Kalet of Millburn, Emily Chen of Warren, Emily Parker of Basking Ridge, Jiana Ingrassia of Westfield and Hanah Quinones of Springfield.

“It is our hope that through this experience, which involves being both a team leader and part of a team, our Ambassadors will nurture and develop a firmly-rooted commitment to volunteerism in themselves and in their peers,” says Kelly Witkowski, Executive Director of the Komen North Jersey Affiliate. “By recruiting, encouraging and coaching others and setting and reaching goals, these young people will be rewarded with a great sense of achievement and the knowledge that they have made a difference in the lives of others.”

Ambassadors, who serve for a one-year term, support Susan G. Komen North Jersey and the fight against breast cancer, and give back to the communities in which they live throughout the year. Each ambassador is expected to be a Team Captain, recruit team members, and coach their team’s fundraising for the Affiliate’s annual Race for the Cure; utilize creative thinking to invent ways to help raise funds throughout the year; act as Komen North Jersey’s representative at their schools by distributing breast health/breast cancer awareness information and enlisting fellow students to be part of the Students for the Cure corps of volunteers; represent their hometowns and counties at Komen-hosted events; and volunteer throughout the year, especially during October’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Ambassadors are chosen through an application process and all are encouraged to apply. For more information and an application, contact Tina Jacobs, Director of Community Health, at tjacobs@komennorthjersey.org.

Stop by the Union Public Library on Thursday, Sept 7 from 6:30-7pm and search for your unclaimed property. The NJ Office of Unclaimed Property will help you search for any unclaimed financial assets. Examples of unclaimed financial assest include:

Union County, NJ - The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic, celebrating marriage equality in the State of New Jersey, has been rescheduled for Saturday, September 16 at Rahway River Park in Rahway from 12 Noon until 5 P.M.

“Unpredicted inclement weather forced us to postpone the Family PRIDE CommUNITY ...

UNION, NJ - Runners and walkers of all levels are invited to join the Union Township Chamber of Commerce again this year at its Seventh Annual Mayor’s Day 5K Run on Sunday, September 24. A committee has been actively working over the summer to plan and expand this year’s event. Shake A Paw Rescue and Adoption Center of Union has signed on as Major Event Sponsor.

Find out about the new NJ Bail Reform/Speedy Trial Law , at the Union Public Library on Monday, September 11 from 6:30-7:30pm.

On January 1, 2017 the NJ bail reform/speed trial law (L. 2014,c.31), went into effect. This new law represents one of the most dramatic changes to our criminal justic system in many years. New Jersey has shifted from a system in which a defendant's pretrial ...

On Saturday, October 14, members of NJ Paranormal will present findings from their August 19 investigation of the Caldwell Parsonage, 909 Caldwell Avenue, Union, and the adjacent Tool Museum. Then they will lead a group investigation of the premises. Session 1 will be held from 6:30 to 8 pm, and Session 2 from 8:30 to 10 pm. Attendance will be limited to ...

Union Public Library and Take it To the Max presents: Lunch Box Hacks. Learn tips and tricks to prepare healthy lunches for yourself and your family. There are two dates for your convenience: Tuesday, September 12 at 6:30pm, or Wednesday, September 13 at 12:30pm. Please register in advance for either session by calling (908) 851-5450 x2.

UNION, NJ -The Celebration Singers of Cranford adult and youth choirs are scheduling auditions for the Fall 2017 season. For the Adult Choirs (Ages 18 +), auditions will be held on Tuesday, August 29th. For the youth Choirs (Children’s Choir ages 9-12 and Middle C’s ages 14-18(, auditions will be held on Tuesday, September 5th. Auditions are by appointment only. Please email us at ...

UNION, NJ – The school year is approaching fast and Union wants to help bridge the gap between what families can afford and what students need for their upcoming school year.

The Township has partnered with MLB Residential Lending, LLC for the 2017 Back to School Backpack & School Supply Drive. There are five collection bins around town and the Township is asking for school supply ...

James Madison University offers each student a future of significance -- not an education of mere prestige, but an extraordinary education of exceptional scholarship, inventive thinking, unparalleled attention to the world community, ...

ELIZABETH, NJ - A Roselle resident says that the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders guaranteed $59 million in bonds for a project that may not have a proper land lease.

Anthony Esposito, who formerly served on the Roselle Board of Education, has retained a lawyer who is preparing to challenge what he says are financial issues in the land lease for the Roselle Mind and Body Complex. The ...

UNION COUNTY, NJ — The County Clerk's office can help disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients in the county obtain documents to participate in a new statewide program that exempts them from paying at parking meters.

County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi said veterans' identification cards and copies of DD-214 honorable discharge forms can be obtained for free at her office, ...

PLAINFIELD, NJ — Investigators are requesting assistance from the public in locating Walter Sosa, a Plainfield man wanted for the aggravated sexual assault of a child, acting Union County Prosecutor Grace H. Park announced Thursday.

We totally believe that nutrition is 80% of all the results at happen at the MAX Challenge of Springfield/Union! That's why we incorporate a very easy to follow nutrition plan! This plan is specifically designed to ensure that you will lose weight, get stronger, and feel great, all while getting to enjoy all of your favorite foods! No time to cook? No problem! ...

There is no summer vacation for phone fraud, and the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders advises Union County residents to be aware of a new scam circulating around the country.

“The Social Security Administration has issued a warning about a caller who poses as an employee in order to extract social security numbers and other personal information,” said Freeholder Chairman ...

Stop by the Union Public Library on Thursday, Sept 7 from 6:30-7pm and search for your unclaimed property. The NJ Office of Unclaimed Property will help you search for any unclaimed financial assets. Examples of unclaimed financial assest include: